Health Quarterly January 2021
Special Supplement to the
January 2021 HEALTH QUARTERLY
Culbertson Memorial Hospital promises
HIGH-QUALITY healthcare.
Allergies, Cold, Flu or COVID? Learn the Facts. Article submitted by Culbertson Memorial Hospital In years past, a case of the sniffles was hardly reason to get excited. These days, however, it can send any ordinary person scrambling to Google to determine if they have a cold, the flu, or something more serious. This is an understandable reaction during a global pandemic responsible for thousands of diagnoses and deaths every day. Unfortunately, COVID-19 shares many symptoms with more common illnesses like the cold and the flu, which can make it difficult to know right away how you should react to protect yourself and others around you. Should you quarantine? Medicate? See a doctor? While COVID-19 shares some similar indicators with the cold, the flu and seasonal allergies, some symptoms are exclusive to each one of these conditions. Check out this handy chart to track your symptoms and help identity your condition.
From 24/7 emergency services to same-day urgent care appointments at our Culbertson Clinics, we pledge to be a consistent and trustworthy advocate to empower your health and healing. Local providers giving back to their hometowns.
(217) 322-4321 | cmhospital.com
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January 2021
Can Hearing Aids Reduce Tinnitus? Article submitted by Central Illinois Hearing, Ltd. More than 12 million Americans have severe tinnitus-a ringing, buzzing or roaring sounds when no actual sound is present. There are many causes, excessive noise exposure, medications and hearing loss. There is a strong relationship between tinnitus and hearing loss. About 20 % of people with hearing loss complain of tinnitus and about 90% of patients with severe tinnitus have some hearing loss. The problem is tinnitus in not a disease of itself which can be treated, it is a symptom like
sneezing is a symptom of a cold. Tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss and since it is permanent in most cases, the tinnitus remains a constant annoyance. Tinnitus can be disturbing and upsetting. Unfortunately, many people are told “there is nothing that can be done to treat tinnitus. You will have to learn to live with it “Even Herbal supplements have not been FDA approved to be efficacious against tinnitus relief.
Help for Tinnitus
Tinnitus treatments include medical and audiologic evaluation, information, counselling and medication review as many medications list tinnitus as one of it’s side effects. Counselling includes recommendations about lifestyle, such as lowering intake of caffine, nicotine and alcohol, minimizing noise exposure and use of hearing protection, reducing stress and getting moderate amounts of exercise.
Hearing aids can help Many individuals with hearing loss don’t seek help because the mistakenly believe their tinnitus will prevent successful use of hearing aids. The majority of hearing aid users actually report the opposite. Several suvey of hearing aid users found not only do their hearing aids help them hear better it also has helped significantly reduce their tinnitus. Many hearing aids have tinnitus relief programs that can introduce nature sounds that have shown to be effective on providing tinnitus relief. Tinnitus cannot be treated because there are no diagnostic tool that can effectively diagnose tinnitus let alone provide treatment. If you experience tinnitus and difficulty hearing the audiologists at Central Illinois Hearing located here in Jacksonville can help. For more information log onto www.centralIllinoishearing.com or contact the American Tinnitus Association at www.ATA.org
Introducing Jacksonville’s Only Professional Hearing Aid Center. Central Illinois Hearing led by our Doctors of Audiology, Dr David Groesch and Dr. Jaclyn Mc Fadden has been providing exceptional hearing healthcare services in your community for over 10 years. We provide diagnostic hearing evaluations, service of all makes of hearing aids and provide state of the art hearing aids to meet any challenging communication needs. Most insurance plans accepted including State of Illinois and teacher’s retirement United Health Care Plans.
1515 W Walnut #4, Jacksonville
Call us at 217-953-0066 or visit us at centralillinoishearing.com.
Central Illinois Hearing: Better Health Through Better Communication.
January 2021 HEALTH QUARTERLY
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How To Prevent Eyestrain While Gaming Gaming may be the world’s most popular pastime. Data from the games market and analytics experts at NewZoo estimates that roughly 2.7 billion people, or about 35 percent of the global population, participates in gaming. And gamers aren’t generally casual about their passion for playing, as the “State of Online Gaming 2020” from Limelight Networks found that gamers spend an average of nearly 6.5 hours per week playing. All that gaming can come at a cost, especially if gamers don’t take steps to protect their eyes while playing. The American Optometric Association notes that the unique characteristics and high visual demands of viewing computer and digital screens makes many individuals, such as avid gamers, susceptible to the development of vision-related problems. Uncorrected or under-corrected vision problems can be significant contributing factors to computer-related eyestrain, a condition the AOA classifies as computer vision syndrome, or CVS. And gamers may be more vulnerable to CVS than people who routinely read printed materials due to the nature of how the eyes perform when looking at digital devices compared to
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the printed word. The Mayo Clinic notes that staring at screens strains the eyes more than reading printed materials because the eyes to tend to blink less when looking at screens. That leads to less moisture and more dryness in the eyes, which can lead to eyestrain. In addition, people often use devices that have glare or reflection or poor contrast between the text on the screen and the background. Over time, that can lead to eyestrain. Gamers should not downplay the significance of these differences, as even reading the instructions in a game or the captions as a game goes on can increase the risk for eyestrain. Avid gamers concerned by the threat of eyestrain can employ various strategies to prevent it. · Take frequent breaks. Periodic breaks during which the eyes are not focused on digital screens can provide a much-needed respite from staring at screens. · Limit screen time. It might be hard for avid gamers to pull themselves away from their favorite games, but limiting screen time can have a positive impact on eye health and overall health.
Like the rest of the body, the eyes need rest to function at peak capacity. Limiting screen time can ensure eyes get the rest they need. In addition, sitting for long periods of time has been linked to a host of adverse health outcomes. In 2015, a large review of studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that sitting for long periods of time was associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer and even increased a person’s risk of dying from various ailments. · Relieve dry eyes. Over-the counter artificial tears can prevent and relieve dry eyes. The Mayo Clinic recommends using such products even when the eyes feel fine. Doing so can keep them well-lubricated and prevent a recurrence of symptoms. · Make changes to your gaming environment. If necessary, make changes to your gaming room, including using a humidifier to keep air moist and adjusting the thermostat to reduce blowing air. Avid gamers who spend hours each week playing their favorite games should take steps to prevent eyestrain.
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January 2021
Central Counties Health Centers – Providing Quality Healthcare to Central IL Residents Submitted by Jenna Luz Central Counties Health Centers (CCHC) may not be a household name – yet, but with healthcare services like primary, dental, and behavioral health, they should be. CCHC was founded over 20 years ago in Springfield, IL by a group of local doctors who saw a need – a need for affordable and quality healthcare for the people of central Illinois. Starting in 1995 in the basement of a church, CCHC has since grown to four locations (Jacksonville, Springfield, and Taylorville) including an emergency dental clinic in Springfield. Central Counties Health Centers believes that quality and affordable healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. They accept individuals with insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and those who are uninsured. They even offer a sliding fee scale for those who qualify. “We serve every person who walks through the door” says
Dr. Dora Ramos of Springfield. “For us, that’s an honor.” CCHC offers a wide range of healthcare services. “We are a community health center, so we provide primary healthcare, dental healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and other wrap around services to anyone who walks through our doors” says CEO Heather Burton. Primary healthcare services include: · Adult & Pediatric Care · School & Sports Physicals · Well-child Exams · Childhood Immunizations · Chronic Disease Management (Diabetes, Asthma, etc.) · Acute Illness Care (Sore Throats, Fever, Vomiting, etc.) · Women’s Health Exams · Prenatal & Postnatal Care · Family Planning · And More! Dental services include: · Extractions
· Cavity Fillings · Hygiene Care Other services include: · 340B Prescription Drug Program (Discount Medications) · Medicaid & Affordable Care Act Enrollment Assistance · Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) “People who work here see their work as a mission. A mission of trying to help other people,” says Dr. Ramos. Dr. Murphy adds, “I’m here because of what I get out of this place. [My patients] make me a better person and, in return, I’m trying to make their lives better.” Central Counties Health Centers has a heart for the patients they serve. “It’s rewarding knowing I am of help to someone in great need,” says Young. “My patients are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I intend on being around to take care of them for a long time,” Dr. Murphy adds. Twenty years is just a start. CCHC has been located on Walnut Street in Jacksonville since 2016. They average 4,386 patient encounters a year and are currently accepting more patients. If you, a loved one, or someone you know is in need of a healthcare provider, please do not hesitate to give their Jacksonville office a call at: 217-243-3543. Their Primary Care and Dental offices are located at 1440 West Walnut Street in Jacksonville. For more information, please visit their website at: www.centralcounties. org and visit them on Facebook: Central Counties Health Centers, Inc.
January 2021 HEALTH QUARTERLY
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Cervical Health Awareness Month: Prevention, Risk Factors, Symptoms, And Treatment Article submitted by SIU Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology January 20, 2020 | Laurent Brard, MD, PhD January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Nearly 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable. Cervical cancer is actually the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent. Prevention can be achieved with vaccination and appropriate screening. There are two screening tests that can help prevent or detect cervical cancer early. 1. Pap test (pap smear): Tests for cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if
not treated appropriately. 2. HPV test: Tests for the human papillomavirus, which can lead to cell changes. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many strands of HPV; some types can lead to cervical cancer while others cause genital or skin warts. Usually, HPV does not cause any symptoms and unless you get tested you may not know you have it. It can go away on its own, but if it doesn’t, overtime it could lead to more serious health issues. Risk factors associated with cervical cancer include: • • •
Having several sexual partners Smoking Age
• • • •
Having HIV or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems Immune system deficiency Socioeconomic factors Using birth control pills for a long time (five or more years)
While there can be signs or symptoms of cervical cancer, there oftentimes are not any. This is why the best way to prevent cervical cancer is by getting your regular screening tests. Any of the following could be signs or symptoms of cervical cancer: • • • •
Pain during sexual intercourse Bleeding after intercourse Increased or unusual vaginal discharge Light bleeding between or
following periods Bleeding after menopause Discomfort while urinating Heavier or longer menstrual periods • Loss of bladder control • Pelvic pain If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is very important that you setup an appointment with your doctor. If you do receive screening tests, it is important to follow up with your doctor to get your results. In the event that you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, there are multiple treatment options including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Your doctor will go through all your different options as well as recommend what they think is the best treatment • • •
plan for your individual diagnosis. Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women in the world with an estimated 570,000 new cases in 2018 representing 6.6% of all female cancers. In the U.S. in 2020 there will be an estimated 13,800 new cases of cervical cancer and 4,300 deaths. Take care of yourself through preventative measures by getting regular screenings. If you are in need of a doctor or nurse midwife for women’s care, SIU Center for Family Medicine and SIU Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology provide women’s health care including gynecologic health and obstetrical care. Call 217.545.8000 today to make your women’s health appointment.
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January 2021
Make Healthy Choices Your New Year’s Resolution. Article submitted by Culbertson Memorial Hospital As the clock finally wound down in 2020, what goals did you set for yourself for the new year? Whether your goals include improving your physical health or your mental wellbeing, there’s no better time to start than when you have a fresh, clean slate for a new year. Of course, a resolution is only as good as your commitment to it. So, as you promise to improve your body and mind in any of the following ways, make sure your goals are realistic and attainable so you can stick with it throughout the year and celebrate your success in 2022!
Eat healthier. A healthy diet is one of the building blocks of a healthy physical lifestyle. While this is important, healthy eating habits go far beyond just grabbing more fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. Portion control is an equally important part of adopting a healthier lifestyle. Take a hard look at how much you’re eating and see if there’s room to scale back. Cut your meals down to just as much as you need to feel full and save the rest for later. For reference, here is a helpful guide on how to measure your portions. https://www.healthline.com/ nutrition/portion-control#TOC_ TITLE_HDR_3
And of course, mind the content of the food you’re eating. Know that one meal plan doesn’t work for everyone. For example, while cutting back on carbs may work for some, it’s not a plan that works for everyone.
Get moving. Getting some exercise will not only work wonders for your physical health, but your mental wellness too. It may sound intimidating, but you don’t have to look like Dwayne Johnson at the end of the year — just getting moving with something simple, like going for a walk every day, to get you started.
effort to improve your mental health. Commit to these areas and you’ll begin to notice positive changes in your overall health. Social interaction is another key component of improving your mental wellness, so make sure you connect with friends and family — even if it’s just via text or phone call, or virtual communication.
For more tips on improving your mental wellness, visit https:// www.nami.org/Personal-Stories/ Improve-Your-Own-MentalHealth.
Make more frequent appointments. Finally, keep a close eye on your health by making more frequent appointments with your provider
at a Culbertson Clinic near you. Don’t skip your routine check-ups and talk with your primary care provider if something doesn’t seem right. Counseling services are also available.
Make time for yourself. Don’t let yourself be buried in an avalanche of work. Strike a healthy balance between work and your personal life by keeping your work limited to certain hours. The rest of the time is yours to spend with your family and pursue your hobbies.
If your job requires you to sit at a computer all day, be sure to take breaks. Get up and move around to keep your muscles active — and reduce the strain on your eyes. Or if looking like the Rock is your goal, start simple. Find an exercise or two that will benefit the area you want to improve the most, then stick with it. The hardest part of exercising is getting started on a routine; once that’s done, focus on short-term goals that will evolve into long-term lifestyle changes.
Take care of your mental wellness. Taking care of your physical wellbeing is very important, but your physical health shouldn’t eclipse your mental wellbeing. You can focus on your eating habits and exercise while making a conscious
When togetherness at home is the best medicine. For Home Hospice care, we’re always there. Compassionate staff at Memorial Home Hospice help patients and families balance their physical, emotional and spiritual needs through the end-of-life journey. Because sometimes the comforts of home are all it takes to make the most of every valuable moment.
MemorialHomeServices.com/Hospice • 800-582-8667 The Joint Commission Accredited and Licensed in the State of Illinois.
January 2021 HEALTH QUARTERLY
SIU WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER - JACKSONVILLE At SIU Medicine, we are moving women’s health care forward.
We offer more than routine care at a convenient location. We combine the expertise of our nationally recognized obstetricians and gynecologists with the compassionate, attentive care you deserve.
SERVICES OFFERED Gynecology
Comprehensive pregnancy Pregnancy care Care
Annual exams
Genetic testing
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Birth control
Sonography
Pelvic pain Menopause Minimally Minimally Invasive invasive Surgery surgery Urogynecological Care Urogynocological care
610 North Westgate, Jacksonville, IL | To make an appointment, please call 217.243.8455
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Some High Tech Ways to Stop Snoring When climbing into bed, no one wants to endure a snore-filled night of fits and starts. Snoring may be inconvenient, but it’s more than just disruptive. Snoring may indicate a serious health issue. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes that snoring may be associated with obstructive sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder and a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and many other health problems. Men’s Health magazine says some 90 million Americans snore, with 37 million doing so on a regular basis. Men are more likely to snore than women. Sometimes snorers can be so loud they disturb bed mates and even those in nearby bedrooms. People who snore, and their loved ones who deal with the cacophony each and every night, are often on the lookout for ways to alleviate snoring. Despite an abundance of innovation in recent years, anti-snoring solutions have been slow in coming. But technology continues to evolve, and some new anti-snoring solutions have been developed. · Track your overnight breathing. Snorers can use tracking devices to see just how well they are sleeping each night. When worn at night, devices like Fitbit® can track breathing and will rate which levels of sleep a person reaches: deep, light or REM. It also records if a person awakens during the night, even when people do not realize their sleep was interrupted. This data can paint a clear picture of sleeping behaviors. · Test snore ratings. Smartphone users can use an app called SnoreLab to rate snoring. The app is left running next to a bed. If it
detects snoring, it will record an audio clip and rate the snoring on a scale that ranges from Quiet to Epic. The premise behind the app is that before snoring can be addressed, one must recognize that it is happening in the first place. · Smart sleep masks. The Hupros Sleep Mask is an example of a smart sleep mask. It works with a smartphone to detect snoring. Then the mask gently vibrates to encourage a person to change positions to open up airways and reduce snoring. The mask also has a nose piece that will be engaged if a change of position doesn’t stop the snoring. It delivers expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) allowing a wearer to breathe in through the nose, but making it hard to breathe out in the same way. This creates resistance meant to expand lung volume and reduce airway vibrations. · Change positions. Another device that is supposed to help a person change positions to relieve snoring is the Philips SmartSleep Snoring Relief Band. It straps around a user’s torso to monitor sleeping position. If snoring occurs, the device will nudge the snorer on his or her side, a position that is less likely to induce snoring. · Go low tech. While there are many digital devices that may help alleviate snoring, one option does not require a device. A new pillow, such as a wedge pillow, can slightly elevate the head, which may promote better breathing. Snoring is problematic for millions of people. Turning to technology may help people get the rest they need.
January 2021
WORRY MEETS ITS MATCH. When it’s your loved one, decisions about assisted living or memory care are a challenge. That’s where we can help. Committed to your contentment, we offer you: • Our patient, undivided attention and straight talk; • An invitation to join your loved one in their new apartment for their first days after move-in; and • If all our efforts to satisfy fail you, a complete refund after 60 days should you decide to move out. JUST AHEAD: PEACE OF MIND. Schedule a confidential conversation or a Q&A Zoom meeting with our Executive Director – and make contentment happen. (217) 387-8685
WE PROMISE.
If you’re not satisfied and decide to move out within your first 60 days, we’ll give you a complete refund.*
ASK ABOUT OUR BRAND NEW MEMORY CARE APARTMENTS (217) 387-8685 2225 W. Morton Ave. • Jacksonville, IL 62650 *Cedarhurst Promise™ program is only available at advertised community. Not applicable for
respite or other short-term stays. Refund is available only if move out is a result of dissatisfaction with Cedarhurst community as documented throughout stay. Complete refund includes base rent, level of care charges, and community fee. Ancillary services fees (ex. additional transportation, pet fees and laundry charges) do not qualify for refund. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please contact community for additional details. Void where prohibited.
January 2021 HEALTH QUARTERLY
County Market Sweep
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Article Submitted By: Prairie Council on Aging How many groceries can you jam into a shopping cart in 2 minutes? Would you spend $10 for a chance to win up to $1,000 in groceries? During the month of February, Prairie Council on Aging will be selling $10 raffle tickets for our annual County Market Sweep. Every ticket sold supports hot, ready to eat meals for homebound seniors in Morgan, Cass, and Scott Counties. We will draw the winning ticket on Friday, February 26th, and, on Tuesday, March 2nd, the winner will have two minutes to grab up to $1,000 in County Market groceries. Buy tickets in-person at Jacksonville’s County Market, or, online at www.pcaging.com and pay with credit/debit card, Venmo, or PayPal. Any questions, please call Prairie Council on Aging at 217-479-4619 ext 1106 and ask for Grant Wilson.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Children, Adolescents and Adults Staying healthy is a full-time job for people of all ages. While it might not always prove so easy to exercise or eat right, the benefits of healthy living are undeniable. According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, “prevention” refers to helping people avoid getting sick or identifying diseases early so treatment can begin. Immunizations and disease screenings are two vital components of preventive care, but children, adolescents and adults can take more active roles in preventive
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11 HEALTH QUARTERLY Continued from page 10 care by embracing physical activity. The Department of Health and Human Services notes that physical activity fosters normal growth and development and can help people feel better, function better, sleep better, and reduce their risk for a large number of chronic diseases. Reducing risk for chronic disease keeps people out of the doctor’s office, or even the hospital, and it also can help save considerable amounts of money. One report from the The Milken Institute estimated that high chronic disease and obesity rates are responsible for more than $1 trillion in lost productivity in the workplace every year. In addition, the National Commission on Prevention Priorities notes that increasing the use of five preventive services to 90 percent can save more than 100,000 lives in the United States each year. Such services include advising smokers to quit and offering medication or other assistance to help them and providing flu shots for people age 65 and older.
In recognition of the role exercise plays in preventive care, the DHHS recommends children, adolescents and adults follow these physical activity guidelines.
Children and adolescents The DHHS recommends that children and adolescents between the ages of six and 17 should get 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. · Aerobic: Most of the 60 minutes or more per day should be either moderate- or vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity and should include vigorous-intensity physical activity at least three days a week. · Muscle-strengthening: As part of their 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening physical activity at least three days a week. · Bone-strengthening: As part of their 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity, children
and adolescents should include bone-strengthening physical activity at least three days a week. Parents can consult with their children’s physicians to determine age-appropriate muscleand bone-strengthening activities for their youngsters.
Adults The DHHS advises adults to make a concerted effort to move more and sit less throughout the day. Some physical activity is better than none. Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits. For substantial health benefits, adults should get at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week. An equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity can serve as a substitute. Ideally, aerobic
January 2021 activity should be spread throughout the week. Adults should do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity that involve all major muscle groups two or more days a week, as the DHHS notes these activities provide additional health benefits. These guidelines also apply to older adults, but older adults also should incorporate balance training into their exercise routines. In addition, the DHHS urges older adults to consult with their physicians about the appropriate level of effort for physical activity relative to their level of fitness. People of all ages should include physical activity in their preventive health care routines. More information about exercise is available at www.health.gov.
January 2021 HEALTH QUARTERLY
Healthy Heart, Healthy You
Submitted by White Hall Nursing & Rehabilitation, LLC February is American Heart Month. Your heart is the center of your cardiovascular system, and it is vitally responsible for just about everything that gives your body life ---ranging from the transportation of oxygen to the success of your immune system. · 500,000 Americans die of heart disease each year, and approximately half of them are women. · As early as age 45, a man’s risk of heart disease begins to rise significantly. For a woman, risk starts to increase at age 55. Some people think that heart disease can be “cured” with surgery. This is a myth! Heart
disease is a lifelong condition. Once you get it, you’ll always have it. Although these facts can be frightening, the good news is you have a lot of power to protect and improve your heart health. It’s important to take charge and learn your own personal risk factors. There are several risk factors that you can do something about! These things are smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, diabetes and drinking too much alcohol. Other factors that may be out of your control can be family history, stress and some chronic conditions. Each risk factor mentioned above increases your risk for heart disease. More than one risk factor is especially serious! Risk factors tend to “gang up” and worsen each other’s effects. Let’s look closer at the risk factors. Your blood
pressure is one area of heart health that needs to be regularly checked and regulated. High blood pressure also puts you at risk for kidney disease and congestive heart failure. It’s the most important risk factor for a stroke. Often called the silent killer, it usually doesn’t present with any symptoms. Medication compliance is essential when you have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure isn’t too high, you may be able to control it entirely with lifestyle changes such as losing weight, getting regular physical activity and changing your eating habits to more healthy patterns. High Cholesterol is another major risk factor. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally BUT your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Over a period of years extra cholesterol and fat circulating build up in the walls of the
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arteries that supply blood to the heart. The buildup of this “plague” makes your arteries narrower directly affecting the amount of oxygenated blood that reaches the heart. If this oxygen rich blood can’t reach your heart you will experience chest pain. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is cut off…the result is a heart attack. It’s important that you are aware of symptoms of a heart attack. If something went wrong with your heart would you know it? There’s not always an alarming chest clutch followed by falling to the floor like you see in the movies. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing
13 HEALTH QUARTERLY or pinching, heaviness/fullness or pain in one or both arms.. It’s important to know that heart attacks differ in men and women. Women may not experience chest pain or discomfort to the same degree as men. They may not experience chest pain at all. Women are more likely to have: abdominal, shoulder, neck or jaw discomfort, pain that radiates into the arms, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, lightheadedness, sweating and unusual fatigue. Spot a stroke F.A.S.T. – a simple way to identify someone having a stroke is to remember this simple sentience. F – face drooping (ask the person to smile), A-arm weakness (ask the person to raise both arms-does one drift downwards) S – speech difficul-
ty (ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “the sky is blue”. Is the sentence repeated correctly? T- time to call 911. If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
responders are trained to look for this type of important health information on your refrigerator. To receive these handy health references contact Scott Phares, Director of Admissions, at 217-730-5833 or email him at 71sjphares@tarahc.com or simply
call the facility at 217-374-2144. “Helping others be prepared in the event of an emergency is extremely important to us” said Mr. Phares.
January 2021 Association-www.Heart.org and Your Guide to a Healthy Heart from the National Institute of Health-www. nih.gov
Information in this article was referenced from the American Heart
White Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation is offering a heart shaped magnet with easy to read signs and symptoms of a heart attack for easy reference. Be prepared to recognize and react if someone you love finds themselves in an emergency situation. Also free for the asking is a magnetic medical sleeve for your refrigerator with a form to provide physician name/number, allergies, current medications, emergency contacts and other information that is important when a medical emergency happens. Emergency first
Dedicated to Keeping Families Connected • Private Suites • Private Dining • Separate Entrance • Long Term Care
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620 W. Bridgeport St. • White Hall, IL 62092 Tel: 217.374.2144 • WhiteHallRehabCenter.com
January 2021 HEALTH QUARTERLY
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Parents: Here’s how to calm coronavirus concerns Article submitted by HSHS Medical Group With the virus that causes COVID-19 still active in the U.S., your children may be hearing a lot about the pandemic from TV, the internet or other kids. And some of what they hear may frighten them. That’s understandable. But you can help calm any concerns your children have by talking with them about COVID-19.
Talking points Here are some tips, courtesy of the National Association of School Nurses and other medical experts, for chatting with children: Let them know they can ask about COVID-19. But don’t force conversations. Be honest, calm and reassuring. We’re all concerned about the potential risks of COVID-19, and it’s fine to acknowledge that. But if you panic, your kids will too. Reassure them that many adults are working hard to keep them safe. Younger kids, especially, may need to hear that from you. Fight fear with facts. For instance, you can share with your kids, in age-appropriate terms they can understand, that: • Not everyone will get sick, and some will only have a mild illness. • The virus mainly seems to spread like cold and flu germs— through close contact with someone who has the infection. It can also linger in the air, especially in indoor spaces with poor air flow. It may also linger on surfaces people touch often. Tell them how to stay healthy. Knowing how they can help prevent COVID-19 may help your kids feel less anxious. Here are some of the best ways to do that: • Wash your hands often. Scrub with soap and water for 20 seconds. • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands. In a pinch, cough or sneeze into your elbow. • Try hard not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. These are places where germs can enter the body. • Wear a cloth face mask in public (for kids 2 and older only).
Be prepared to right any rumors, xenophobia and blame
It’s always important to give your children lots of love and attention, but they may need a little more of it now.
As COVID-19 has spread around the globe, so have myths and misplaced blame.
If you have questions about how to talk to your children about the coronavirus or other health concerns, Pediatrician Manasi Hulyalkar, MD is accepting new patients and offers same-day appointments.
Listen to your child’s concerns about COVID-19 and correct any confusion. You can find accurate and current info at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website cdc.gov/coronavirus. Sadly, some people may say wrong and hurtful things, like blaming groups of people or their products for the virus. If other people say such things, talk to your children about why those things are wrong to say. Remind your kids not to spread rumors.
Just be there for them
She cares for pediatric patients at HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care Jacksonville, located at 1745 W. Walnut Street. You can make an appointment by calling 217-243-6454 or schedule online at hshsmd.org. Dr. Hulyalkar completed her pediatric residency at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield and her research fellowship at Mayo Clinic. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. To learn more about her, visit HSHSMedicalGroup.org.
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January 2021
PEDIATRIC CARE IN JACKSONVILLE
SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care 1745 W. Walnut St., Jacksonville, IL 62650 Schedule online at HSHSMG.org or call 217-243-6454. HSHS Medical Group Manasi Hulyalkar, MD, MBA Pediatrics
Jacksonville
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